Tonight, the 76ers play against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in Cleveland, and the chatter has ramped up again: Will LeBron sign with Philly this summer?
At first, I thought it was just a few dissenters on social media who were against the possibility. Then I watched Philly Sports Talk earlier this week, where they ran a real-time poll asking viewers if they want LeBron to sign here ... and 47 percent of the votes came back no.
My response to the 47 percent: Why do you hate fun?
From the opposers with whom I've discussed this, the response is that it flies in the face of The Process, that it would no longer be as organic as they believe former Sixers GM Sam Hinkie intended.
Full disclosure: I was never a fan of The Process - the fandom equivalent of walking on Legos for a half-decade for a chance at a chance at a chance at a title. Putting that aside, let's talk a walk back through Philadelphia sports history.
December 1978
The Phillies had just won their third straight NL East title and their third straight time getting bounced in the NLCS. They signed 12-time All-Star Pete Rose to the biggest contract in baseball. Twenty-two months later, they had a parade. Everyone was happy.
September 1982
The Sixers had just lost in the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons. They signed regining NBA MVP Moses Malone to a six-year deal. Nine months later, they had a parade. Everyone was happy.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Two months ago
The Eagles won the NFC Championship Game with a 38-7 dismantling of the Minnesota Vikings. All 38 points were scored by players who were acquired within the previous year.
To Eagles fans who don't want LeBron on the 76ers: Are you upset that the Eagles won a Super Bowl without a Process?
Whether you trust The Process or not, we all want the same thing, for our favorite NBA team to win it all. Why does it matter so much how it happens?
This team has won one playoff series in 16 seasons. They've been to the Finals once in their last 35 seasons. No idea should be turned away that would give the Sixers a better chance at a title.
In my opinion, The Process was about being opportunistic. Use your cap space and assets to acquire the best players available to get you to a title. Signing the best all-around player in the NBA, one of the top-10 players to ever lace up high tops, feels like something Sam Hinkie would do, without giving it a second thought. Hinkie's mentor, Rockets GM Daryl Morey, made a similar move six years ago. He created the cap space, assembled the assets and traded for reigning Sixth Man of the Year James Harden.
So if the Sixers do sign LeBron and end up winning the NBA title, come on down to Broad Street. It's gonna be one helluva party.
